A Lumbosacral Plexopathy after Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy – A Case Report

Abstract

Recently, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in Korea has been increasing. The common complications of ECMO are renal failure, significant infections, and bleeding events. However, neurological complications in the lower extremity caused by ECMO therapy are rare. We report an unusual case of a 33-year-old man who developed monoplegia with right lumbosacral plexopathy after venoarterial-ECMO (VA-ECMO) therapy. He had undergone VA-ECMO therapy for 11 days because of alveolar hemorrhage and acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by ventilator-associated pneumonia. He presented with motor weakness, paresthesia, and swelling of the right lower extremity about 3 days after VA-ECMO disconnection. Electrodiagnostic study showed right lumbosacral plexopathy and peripheral polyneuropathy. Therefore, the possibility of peripheral neurological complications, such as lumbosacral plexopathy, after VA-ECMO therapy should be considered.